LAGOS – As the Federal College of Education, (Technical), Akoka matriculates a total of 360 students for its 2024/2025 academic session, it has called on candidates to tap into the current restructure of the college of education system that enables it to run both the National Certificate in Education (NCE) and Degree courses in teacher education.
The Acting Provost, Dr Isaac Oluwatoyin Miller, gave the charge during the matriculation ceremony, which was held at the Paul Alabi Multi-purpose Auditorium.
He explained that the Federal Colleges of Education (FCEs) CEs) establishment Act No. 43 of 2023 provided for the Dual Mandate proposal which will allow the Colleges of Education to run both NCE and Degree.
“The students will get two certificates, one for NCE at the end of three years and the degree certificate after 5 years. It’s the students’ choice whether to go for NCE or a Degree programme. Those who were admitted for the degree will progress to degree four from NCE three. Their placement is different from a 4-year degree.
“The dual mandate is to build a future for Colleges of Education, not to eradicate our NCE programs. It will bring uniqueness to Colleges of Education that cannot be found in universities,” he added.
Addressing the new students, the Ag. Provost said the College admitted 360 students, comprising 37 for the Professional Diploma in Education (DPE) and 323 for the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) for the 2024/2025 academic session.
During the ceremony, the Acting Provost called for the embrace of skills acquisition for self-job creation to curb the high rate of unemployment, particularly among Nigerian youth.
Dr. Miller urged the matriculating to combine skills acquisition programs such as tiling, plumbing, computer/phone repair, braiding, wig making, barbing, fashion and textile design, etc., with their academic and career development.
Miller noted that this approach would empower students economically and make them self-reliant, allowing them to set up small-scale enterprises even before graduation.
He added that such efforts would contribute positively to the development of Nigeria.
The Acting Provost revealed that the institution had established the Centre for Vocational Technical and Entrepreneurship Development (CeVTED) to provide training in various skills.
According to him, students would receive a certificate of competency at the end of a five-semester training programme, during which they must pass a minimum of three out of five-semester examinations and also encouraged them to strive for both academic and moral excellence.
Speaking, the Registrar, Afolabi Dada, who explained that the job landscape is changing, urged the students to reorient themselves, prepare for the future, and understand that some jobs may no longer exist in the coming years.
He encouraged them to use their time wisely and become creators of jobs, whether online or offline, rather than waiting for government employment after School.
Dada added, “You have to think about how you can be a creator of jobs. No parent is happy to see you idle… Many legitimate online businesses can fetch you money.”
Comrade Junaid Michael, President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), encouraged the matriculants to be diligent in their studies, uphold the values of integrity, and strive for excellence.
